Page 115 of One Foggy Christmas
“Look at these floor-to-ceiling windows.”I don’t even give myself the chance to enjoy the incredible view. I continue my tour up the spiral staircase to another floor of the chalet. My head falls back, looking up. “A glass roof!” I tear my eyes from the master bedroom and walk to the bathroom. The most gorgeous Jacuzzi tub sits in the center with a glass shower on the side.
“There’s not a lot of doors in this place, is there?” Nash follows behind, glancing around. “I’ll just stay on the couch on the lower level and use that half-bath down there. You can have all of this.”
“You don’t have to stay on the couch. We’re grown adults. We can lie beside each other on a bed and be fine. Besides, I’d never want to take this incredible view away from you.”
“Yeah, that’s not happening.” The words come out with a distressed sigh, making me think he’s a little more apprehensive about sharing this chalet than I am.
Should I be more like him, thinking cautiously about the arrangement instead of being won over by floor-to-ceiling windows?
There’s a history here. I’m not naive to the fact that, one year ago, I pushed Nash out of my life, but I was lost back then, coping with a new reality that didn’t make sense. My mind lived in constant fog and confusion. It took months of being patient with myself to get where I am today.
I’ve healed a lot this past year. And although I wasn’t seeking or looking for love, I can’t deny how my heart came alive when I saw Nash on the train. Like it truly beat for the first time since I woke up from my coma. It’s the feeling I kept looking for last December. The confirmation that, although my head couldn’t remember him, my heart could. And for the first time in a long time, I’m excited about what could be.
I didn’t want to leave Nash at the train station and go our separate ways. I hoped he’d suggest we meet somewhere, but then he offered the chalet, which seemed like the perfect chance to spend more time with him.
I just have to find out if Nash is willing to see where things could lead.
Or maybe I’m too much of a risk.
He walks toward the stairs. “I’ll let you unpack and do whatever you planned to do tonight.”
“I was going to go get some dinner.” I step forward, showing my eagerness. “Would you like to join me?”
“Uh…” He drags his fingers through his hair. “Sure, why not?” His arm drops dramatically. “I have to eat.”
“So should we change and say leave in a half hour?”
“Sounds good.” He nods a few times then heads down to the lower section.
NASH
Keeping my feelingsfor Sadie in their proper lane is a mental gymnastics I did not train for. It’s only been one hour of staying together, and I’m already exhausted.
I brought this on myself by inviting her here, but the chalet is incredible. I had to share it with her, especially when I know how excited the old Sadie was about this place.
But now we’re going to dinner together.
It doesn’t mean anything.
I know that.
But what if it does?
I pace back and forth in front of the windows, trying to get control over my thoughts. It’s negative ten degrees outside, but I’m sweating like I’m in a sauna.
“How do I look?” Sadie says behind me.
I turn just as she steps down the last two stairs. My hand goes to my chest in self-preservation, as if I can somehow stop my heart from leaping out.
“You look great.” I’m embarrassed by how rattled my voice sounds and by my chosen adjective.
Sadie looks more thangreat.Her black turtleneck dress fits her body snuggly, like a wool glove, wrapping each curve in a way that’s hard not to notice. I’m a big fan of the healthy weight she’s put back on. It does wonders for her body. The hem of the sweaterdress is short, showing off her thighs until knee-high black boots take over.
It’s a deadly look for a man’s heart—a man who is hopelessly in love with her.
“You look pretty impressive yourself.” Her gaze scans me. “I like your button-up shirt.”
My eyes drop to the blue fabric with a paisley pattern inside the collar, lapels, and cuffs. “You bought this for my birthday last year. It’s one of my favorites.”
